Scorchers' Klinger to miss BBL clash

Perth Scorchers batsman Hilton Cartwright has paid tribute to Michael Klinger but it remains to be seen whether the veteran will make a late dash to Melbourne to face the Renegades.

Klinger missed the season-opening BBL win over the Sydney Sixers after his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, and he made just one in his return to action against the Melbourne Stars on Tuesday night.

The 37-year-old didn't join his teammates on their flight to Melbourne on Wednesday, having already stated he is likely to miss some games this season to be with his wife.

The away games are those Klinger is expected to be unavailable for.

But he is still an outside chance to make a later flight to Melbourne in time to play in Friday night's top-of-the-table clash at Etihad Stadium.

Cartwright said Klinger's calming influence played a key role in the 13-run win over the Stars, who failed to chase down a victory target of 143.

Cartwright made a snail-paced start to his innings, registering just three runs from his first 13 balls.

But some words of encouragement from Klinger at the non-striker's end eventually got him out of his funk, with Cartwright going on to make 58 off 53 balls in a man-of-the-match display.